Key insights
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1
Israel asserted unilateral control over recognition decisions: Gideon Saar said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland was not made “against anyone” and that “only Israel will determine for itself who it recognises.”
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2
Somalia rejected the visit as interference: Somalia condemned Saar’s visit as “unacceptable interference” and said Somaliland is part of its territory.
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3
A think tank cited Red Sea strategy as a reason for recognition: The Institute for National Security Studies said Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region and mentioned the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis.
Takeaways
Israel and Somaliland held high-level talks while Somalia and multiple international actors criticised Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty.